Cabinetmakers

Career summary

#No alt titles in wois occ

# review 3/26/19 lh

Cabinetmakers construct or repair items made from wood. They make items such as kitchen pantries, office equipment, and high quality home furniture. They read blueprints or examine drawings to learn about the items they will make. Some design their own cabinetry using computer-aided drafting. Once cabinetmakers know the dimensions of the item, they measure and mark outlines of the parts on paper or wood. They cut, trim, and sand the parts. They use glue, nails, dowels, and screws to put parts together. Once the entire unit is assembled, cabinetmakers finish the wood by applying stain and varnish. They attach glass and hardware, such as handles, to the furniture. Cabinetmakers may install items they have built.

Cabinetmakers use power tools such as circular saws, joiners, planers, routers, and sanders. They may program computers to operate machines. They also use hand tools such as screwdrivers and hammers. They clean and oil their tools and perform basic repairs. They also clean their workshops by sweeping or vacuuming up the sawdust.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Carpenters
• Furniture Finishers
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Upholsterers
• Woodworking Machine Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to cabinetmakers.

• Read blueprints for the items to be constructed or repaired. Plan how work will be completed.
• Set up and operate power tools and machines to cut and shape wood.
• Mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber. Match lumber for color, grain, and texture. Check the quality and fit of pieces.
• Trim joints to create a snug fit. Reinforce joints with nails and other fasteners.
• Nail parts together to create components of cabinets, such as drawers.
• Fit, glue, and clamp components together to form complete units.
• Sand or scrape surfaces to smooth and prepare them for finishing.
• Apply stain, varnish, or lacquer, using brushes or spray guns.
• Install hinges, catches, and drawer pulls, using hand tools.
• Find new clients, keep track of expenses, and order supplies when needed. Discuss ideas with clients.
• Estimate the amount, type, and cost of materials.
• Perform touch-ups with sandpaper and steel wool.
• Program computers to operate machinery. Design furniture using computer-aided drafting or freehand.

Common work activities

Cabinetmakers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Handle and move objects
• Control machines and processes
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Evaluate information against standards
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Think creatively
• Process information
• Perform for or work with the public
• Analyze data or information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Update and use job-related knowledge

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, cabinetmakers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a low level of social contact. Cabinetmakers occasionally talk to customers, but spend most of their time alone.
• When they communicate, they usually talk to others face-to-face or via the telephone.
• Often work as part of a team of cabinetmakers.
• Have limited responsibility for the health and safety of others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others, especially assistants.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors.
• Are exposed to hazardous equipment on a daily basis.
• Regularly wear goggles, earplugs, or other protective gear.
• Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are uncomfortable.
• Are often exposed to contaminants, such as sawdust, wood glue, and wood stains.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations.
• May be exposed to hot or cold temperatures, depending on if the work place is temperature controlled.
• May share common work areas with other cabinetmakers and assistants.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors or omissions may cause customers to be dissatisfied with their work.
• Must allow the pace of some of the work to be dictated by the speed of equipment.
• Often make decisions that affect the look of finished cabinetmakers. Sometimes they check with customers before deciding a course of action.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals independently.
• Must meet weekly and monthly deadlines.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.

Hours/travel

• Work 40 hours per week.
• May work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines.
• May travel to job sites to take measurements or install items.

Physical demands

Cabinetmakers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for cabinetmakers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for cabinetmakers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.

Skills and abilities

Cabinetmakers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Building Construction Technology
• Woodworking and Cabinetmaking

Other programs of study to consider

• Carpentry
• Crafts

Training

To work as a cabinetmaker, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some cabinetmakers learn their skills by attending formal training programs. Some vocational schools and community colleges offer courses in woodworking and cabinetmaking. These programs are not widespread.

On-the-job training

Most cabinetmakers receive informal on-the-job training from an experienced worker. Trainees usually begin as helpers. They learn to use materials, tools, and equipment; design structures; identify and select grades of wood; and build cabinets. On-the-job training usually lasts up to one year.

Washington apprenticeships

In Washington, training for this occupation can be found in carpentry apprenticeship programs. Carpentry apprenticeship applicants must meet the requirements of their joint apprenticeship training committee. Requirements may include some or all of the following:

• being at least 17 years of age;
• able to handle the physical demands of the trade;
• adequate education to meet trade requirements;
• access to transportation to the job site;
• completion of a safety/orientation class;
• having required hand tools;
• proof of residency in apprenticeship region;
• legal right to work in the US;
• proof of age; and
• passing a qualifying entry exam and drug screening test.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Ok3/3/11 lh. Added proof of age and legal right to work in US per this being noted on 2 apprenticeship listings on L&I site 2/21/12, cj. Info still ok 2/12/14, 3/21/16 cj. Requirements seem to vary per apprenticeship listing but seems like above still apply for most, 2/16/18 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Carpentry
• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
• Computer Fundamentals
• Drafting
• Industrial Arts
• Woodworking

Many cabinetmakers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer applicants who have completed a training program in woodworking. Some employers have applicants take an aptitude test. Employers may require applicants to take drug-screening tests. Hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are important.

Assembly line jobs often have no formal training requirements, although employers do look for employees who show initiative and tend to problems without being told.

Tips

Apprenticeship applicants with courses in wood shop, drafting, and math are preferred for the limited openings that are available. It is helpful to learn how to identify different types of wood.

Costs to workers

Some workers have to supply their own hand tools. Workers may also be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and monthly dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Pay varies by employer and area of the country. The cabinetmaker's reputation, skill, and level of experience also affect wages.

Cabinetmakers who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 11% of cabinetmakers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Cabinet manufacturers
• Household furniture manufacturers
• Office furniture manufacturers

National outlook

Demand will show little to no change over the next few years for cabinetmakers. The increased need to repair and rennovate residential and commerical properties will promote growth. However, automation may limit employment in the wood making industry.

Some job opportunities will arise as cabinetmakers retire or leave this occupation for other reasons. Job prospects are best for cabinetmakers who can design using computers and have good math skills.

Other resources

International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine, and Furniture Workers 
2701 Dryden Road
Dayton, OH 45439
937.298.9984

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America 
301.735.6660

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Window and Door Manufacturers Association 
2025 M Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
202.367.1157

Woodworker's Central 

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters (51-7011.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Cabinetmaker (660.280-010) 
• Cabinetmaker Apprentice (660.280-014) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Artistic
• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled